The Salina City Commission has a special meeting scheduled for Thursday.

The commissioners are scheduled to convene at 4 p.m. Thursday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.

Once the meeting is convened, they are to move into executive session to discuss financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations regarding two economic development projects, with possible public action to follow once the executive session is concluded.

The Salina City Commission has a special meeting scheduled for Thursday.The commissioners are scheduled to convene at 4 p.m. Thursday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.Once the meeting is convened, they are to move into executive session to discuss financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations regarding two economic development projects, with possible public action to follow once the executive session is concluded.

City commission sets special meeting for Thursday afternoon

Here is Wednesday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:

There are 19 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County that have been identified since the Monday, August 3 report. The total for the county is now 367, with 92 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 270 that have recovered, and a total of 5 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center reports that they have 3 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Salina Regional is a regional hospital, the COVID-19 patient total is not specific to the number of Saline County residents who may be hospitalized. Our dashboard is updated with the latest information.

● Mobile Device Users: <a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>

● Desktop Users: <a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a>

The additional cases are still under investigation to determine all origins of exposure but we do know that the cases are not related to one specific location.

According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 29,717 cases, and 368 deaths statewide. This information can be found at <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.

Here is what you can do to help us to stop the spread:

● Maximize physical distance (6 feet or more) in public settings

● Avoid socializing with large groups

● High-risk individuals should only leave the house for essential needs

Only follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596667797155.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here is Wednesday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:There are 19 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County that have been identified since the Monday, August 3 report. The total for the county is now 367, with 92 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 270 that have recovered, and a total of 5 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center reports that they have 3 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Salina Regional is a regional hospital, the COVID-19 patient total is not specific to the number of Saline County residents who may be hospitalized. Our dashboard is updated with the latest information.● Mobile Device Users: <a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>● Desktop Users: <a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a>The additional cases are still under investigation to determine all origins of exposure but we do know that the cases are not related to one specific location.According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 29,717 cases, and 368 deaths statewide. This information can be found at <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.Here is what you can do to help us to stop the spread:● Stay home if you’re sick● Wear masks in public settings● Maximize physical distance (6 feet or more) in public settings● Avoid socializing with large groups● High-risk individuals should only leave the house for essential needs● Wash your hands frequentlyOnly follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

Saline County: 19 new COVID-19 cases; 270 of 367 recovered

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle driven by Chase B. Mciver, 28, Council Grove, was westbound on Kansas 4 four miles northeast of Lindsborg.

An unknown non-contact vehicle turned in front of the motorcycle to enter the northbound Interstate 135 on ramp.&nbsp;

Mciver attempted an avoidance maneuver and laid the motorcycle down on its side. EMS transported a passenger Jennifer R. Long,&nbsp; 31, Topeka, to Salina Regional Health Center. Mciver was not injured.

They were wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Wednesday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle driven by Chase B. Mciver, 28, Council Grove, was westbound on Kansas 4 four miles northeast of Lindsborg.An unknown non-contact vehicle turned in front of the motorcycle to enter the northbound Interstate 135 on ramp.&nbsp;Mciver attempted an avoidance maneuver and laid the motorcycle down on its side. EMS transported a passenger Jennifer R. Long,&nbsp; 31, Topeka, to Salina Regional Health Center. Mciver was not injured.They were wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman hospitalized after motorcycle mishap

The Salina Police Department (SPD) announced today that it has once again received accreditation from the&nbsp;the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

SPD has been continuously accredited by CALEA since 1996, and is one of 729 nationally accredited agencies, and one of only 11 agencies in Kansas to receive that distinction. 

CALEA accreditation increases community advocacy, provides stronger defense against civil lawsuits, reduces risk and liability exposure, provides for support from government officials, and allows for greater accountability within the agency.

In order for the SPD to become a nationally accredited agency, it must show compliance with 158 standards and provide 451 proofs pertaining to those standards over a four year cycle.

Every year the department has at least 25 percent of its 137 polices reviewed remotely by an assessor from CALEA to ensure compliance with the standards associated with those policies.

Every fourth year, a team of assessors conducts an onsite review of the agency in order to provide a recommendation to CALEA on whether or not the agency should be re-accredited for another four year period. 

In February of 2020, two assessors from CALEA traveled to Salina for the on-site assessment.

Prior to the on-site assessment, the team thoroughly reviewed all of the previous four years offsite assessments. The on-site assessment included the following.

●An in-depth review of four focus areas that included: 1) Use of Force, 2) Recruitment and Retention, 3) Property and 4) Evidence, and Training. These four areas of focus were chosen by the SPD. The assessment team did an extensive review of the department’s policies, procedures, and practices associated with these areas.

●Interviews with 28 members of the department and community, including: representatives from the Salina City Commissioners, USD 305 school administrators, local business owners, local media, and various other community members. The public was afforded the opportunity to speak to the assessment team in-person at a public forum held at the City-County Building and anonymously during a separate phone in session held on Feb. 25, 2020. At the conclusion of these interviews the team leader noted, “Community members were impressed with the agency’s professionalism, commitment to service, and outreach to the community. They commended the agency for its proactive strategies and best practices to address the issues associated with crime, traffic, and quality of life.” 

On July 31, 2020, the SPD went before the CALEA Board for their review hearing for re-accreditation status. Prior to the hearing the four member board had an opportunity to review the team leader’s final report. During the hearing they had an opportunity to directly ask questions to Chief Nelson and the Accreditation Manager, Capt. Paul Forrester. At the conclusion of the hearing, the board of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies unanimously voted to award the SPD accreditation for the 8th time. The commission commended the SPD on its continued efforts to remain an accredited agency, its professionalism, and dedication to the community it serves. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581972960097.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Department. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Department. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Police Department (SPD) announced today that it has once again received accreditation from the&nbsp;the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).SPD has been continuously accredited by CALEA since 1996, and is one of 729 nationally accredited agencies, and one of only 11 agencies in Kansas to receive that distinction. CALEA accreditation increases community advocacy, provides stronger defense against civil lawsuits, reduces risk and liability exposure, provides for support from government officials, and allows for greater accountability within the agency.In order for the SPD to become a nationally accredited agency, it must show compliance with 158 standards and provide 451 proofs pertaining to those standards over a four year cycle.Every year the department has at least 25 percent of its 137 polices reviewed remotely by an assessor from CALEA to ensure compliance with the standards associated with those policies.Every fourth year, a team of assessors conducts an onsite review of the agency in order to provide a recommendation to CALEA on whether or not the agency should be re-accredited for another four year period. In February of 2020, two assessors from CALEA traveled to Salina for the on-site assessment.Prior to the on-site assessment, the team thoroughly reviewed all of the previous four years offsite assessments. The on-site assessment included the following.●An in-depth review of four focus areas that included: 1) Use of Force, 2) Recruitment and Retention, 3) Property and 4) Evidence, and Training. These four areas of focus were chosen by the SPD. The assessment team did an extensive review of the department’s policies, procedures, and practices associated with these areas.●Interviews with 28 members of the department and community, including: representatives from the Salina City Commissioners, USD 305 school administrators, local business owners, local media, and various other community members. The public was afforded the opportunity to speak to the assessment team in-person at a public forum held at the City-County Building and anonymously during a separate phone in session held on Feb. 25, 2020. At the conclusion of these interviews the team leader noted, “Community members were impressed with the agency’s professionalism, commitment to service, and outreach to the community. They commended the agency for its proactive strategies and best practices to address the issues associated with crime, traffic, and quality of life.” On July 31, 2020, the SPD went before the CALEA Board for their review hearing for re-accreditation status. Prior to the hearing the four member board had an opportunity to review the team leader’s final report. During the hearing they had an opportunity to directly ask questions to Chief Nelson and the Accreditation Manager, Capt. Paul Forrester. At the conclusion of the hearing, the board of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies unanimously voted to award the SPD accreditation for the 8th time. The commission commended the SPD on its continued efforts to remain an accredited agency, its professionalism, and dedication to the community it serves.

Salina Police Dept. accredited for 8th time by CALEA

ABILENE -- The Radiology and Imaging Department of Memorial Hospital, in Abilene, received notification from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) that its mammography services has again passed its recent survey with zero deficiencies. 

The survey is conducted to see that all certifications, personnel, and equipment meet standards.

The KDHE completes an annual survey on behalf of the FDA to meet the requirements for certification under the Mammography Quality Standards Act.

The Radiology and Imaging Department at Memorial Hospital completes around 1,100 mammograms per year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596652016084.jpeg" alt="Pictured, from left: Memorial Hospital Radiology and Imaging Director Rhonda Schmid; Kari Smith, radiologic technologist; and Chelsi Baker, radiologic technologist. Photo courtesy MHS" />
 <figcaption>Pictured, from left: Memorial Hospital Radiology and Imaging Director Rhonda Schmid; Kari Smith, radiologic technologist; and Chelsi Baker, radiologic technologist. Photo courtesy MHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE -- The Radiology and Imaging Department of Memorial Hospital, in Abilene, received notification from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) that its mammography services has again passed its recent survey with zero deficiencies. The survey is conducted to see that all certifications, personnel, and equipment meet standards.The KDHE completes an annual survey on behalf of the FDA to meet the requirements for certification under the Mammography Quality Standards Act.The Radiology and Imaging Department at Memorial Hospital completes around 1,100 mammograms per year.

Abilene hospital passes KDHE survey

MANHATTAN – The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/" target="_blank">Kansas 4-H</a>&nbsp;horticulture judging contest will go the way of so many other state activities during the current pandemic, moving to an online format Aug. 15-16.&nbsp;

Beth Hinshaw, the 4-H youth development specialist in the southeast region, said 4-H members will have a 24-hour period – beginning at 8 a.m. on Aug. 15 – to complete the three-part contest.&nbsp;

“I love the horticulture contest for the kinds of things that it teaches young people,” Hinshaw said. “This is a great opportunity to hone their decision-making skills, and to use their power of observation to make decisions related to horticulture.”&nbsp;

Judging.&nbsp;Youth will look at a set of four items – for example, four plates of potatoes or four pots of mums – and place them in rank order.

Identification.&nbsp;Youth must identify 50 horticulture samples, which might be foliage, fruit, nut, seed, or other.&nbsp;

Knowledge.&nbsp;Youth study materials related to horticulture practices and answer questions. Some of the categories include how to mow the lawn to a proper height; how to water a young tree; how to deal with poison ivy; or how to attract backyard birds.&nbsp;

“This contest is a great knowledge builder for kids to learn about different plants, some of which they may plant or grow one day,” Hinshaw said.&nbsp;

The contest includes two age divisions: Intermediate (ages 9-13 as of Jan. 1, 2020) and Senior (ages 14-18). Youth interested in entering the contest should contact their local extension office by Aug. 12, though Hinshaw advises registering as soon as possible.&nbsp;

“We piloted the platform that we are using during our summer contests in the southeast region,” she said, crediting Lyon County extension agent Travis Carmichael for putting together the online format.&nbsp;

Hinshaw suggests youth plan to use a tablet or computer on the contest, since it will make it easier to see the online images.&nbsp;

“A number of these young people study year-round on horticulture,” she said. “We also have some great resources on our website where they can look at different plants, and certainly a lot of these young people have those same plants right in their own garden. They should be ready.”&nbsp;

The contest is normally held on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan as part of a partnership between Kansas 4-H Youth Development and the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources. Hinshaw said she’s proud that organizers were able to adapt the contest so that youth could participate this year.&nbsp;

“There’s always something more to learn,” she said. “Since we can’t come together in person, it feels really great that we have an alternative for young people to take part in.”&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/" target="_blank">Kansas 4-H</a>&nbsp;horticulture judging contest will go the way of so many other state activities during the current pandemic, moving to an online format Aug. 15-16.&nbsp;Beth Hinshaw, the 4-H youth development specialist in the southeast region, said 4-H members will have a 24-hour period – beginning at 8 a.m. on Aug. 15 – to complete the three-part contest.&nbsp;“I love the horticulture contest for the kinds of things that it teaches young people,” Hinshaw said. “This is a great opportunity to hone their decision-making skills, and to use their power of observation to make decisions related to horticulture.”&nbsp;The contest includes:&nbsp;Judging.&nbsp;Youth will look at a set of four items – for example, four plates of potatoes or four pots of mums – and place them in rank order.Identification.&nbsp;Youth must identify 50 horticulture samples, which might be foliage, fruit, nut, seed, or other.&nbsp;Knowledge.&nbsp;Youth study materials related to horticulture practices and answer questions. Some of the categories include how to mow the lawn to a proper height; how to water a young tree; how to deal with poison ivy; or how to attract backyard birds.&nbsp;“This contest is a great knowledge builder for kids to learn about different plants, some of which they may plant or grow one day,” Hinshaw said.&nbsp;The contest includes two age divisions: Intermediate (ages 9-13 as of Jan. 1, 2020) and Senior (ages 14-18). Youth interested in entering the contest should contact their local extension office by Aug. 12, though Hinshaw advises registering as soon as possible.&nbsp;“We piloted the platform that we are using during our summer contests in the southeast region,” she said, crediting Lyon County extension agent Travis Carmichael for putting together the online format.&nbsp;Hinshaw suggests youth plan to use a tablet or computer on the contest, since it will make it easier to see the online images.&nbsp;“A number of these young people study year-round on horticulture,” she said. “We also have some great resources on our website where they can look at different plants, and certainly a lot of these young people have those same plants right in their own garden. They should be ready.”&nbsp;The contest is normally held on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan as part of a partnership between Kansas 4-H Youth Development and the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources. Hinshaw said she’s proud that organizers were able to adapt the contest so that youth could participate this year.&nbsp;“There’s always something more to learn,” she said. “Since we can’t come together in person, it feels really great that we have an alternative for young people to take part in.”&nbsp;

4-H horticulture contest set for Aug. 15-16

BROOKVILLE -- Ell-Saline Elementary School has a new principal! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllSalineElementaryCpta/">Ell-Saline Elementary CPTA</a> Facebook page:

BROOKVILLE -- Ell-Saline Elementary School has a new principal! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllSalineElementaryCpta/">Ell-Saline Elementary CPTA</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEllSalineElementaryCpta%2Fposts%2F1586328371527043&width=500" width="500" height="681" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Exline new principal at Ell-Saline Elementary

If you're a fan of the Hillsboro Arts &amp; Crafts Fair, you'll have to wait until next year to attend.

The fair posted the following notice on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hillsboroartsandcrafts/">Facebook page</a> Tuesday.

If you're a fan of the Hillsboro Arts &amp; Crafts Fair, you'll have to wait until next year to attend.The fair posted the following notice on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hillsboroartsandcrafts/">Facebook page</a> Tuesday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhillsboroartsandcrafts%2Fposts%2F1489277931258078&width=500" width="500" height="230" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Hillsboro Arts & Crafts Fair cancels 2020 event

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Recent obituaries

Wednesday looks to be another lovely summer day, however, there is a chance for storms during the overnight hours.

Below normal temperatures will be in place again today as they top out near the 80 degree mark, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.

By late tonight, however, a few storms could develop and produce gusty winds of 40 to 60 mph, hail that is dime to quarter size, and heavy downpours that will go into Thursday morning, NWS reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596630634042.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wednesday looks to be another lovely summer day, however, there is a chance for storms during the overnight hours.Below normal temperatures will be in place again today as they top out near the 80 degree mark, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.By late tonight, however, a few storms could develop and produce gusty winds of 40 to 60 mph, hail that is dime to quarter size, and heavy downpours that will go into Thursday morning, NWS reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596630664605.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS: Below normal temperatures today, storm possibility overnight

After dealing with a bout with COVID-19, the Salvation Army in Salina is back! That's the word from Captain Lynn Lopez.

"We are fully back in service and everyone is healthy and ready to serve," Lopez reported Tuesday afternoon.

That includes the thrift store, Lopez noted.

While they are fully open, they continue to take safety precautions because of COVID-19.

"We sanitize daily several times and ask folks to please wear a mask before entering our building," she explained.

According to Lopez, social services are available with funding for COVID-19 rental assistance and utilities, as well as resources in the community for other instances.

To-go meals are provided three times a day. 

Additionally, the Salvation Army building at 1137 North Santa Fe Avenue also serves as a cooling center during extreme heat.

After dealing with a bout with COVID-19, the Salvation Army in Salina is back! That's the word from Captain Lynn Lopez."We are fully back in service and everyone is healthy and ready to serve," Lopez reported Tuesday afternoon.That includes the thrift store, Lopez noted.While they are fully open, they continue to take safety precautions because of COVID-19."We sanitize daily several times and ask folks to please wear a mask before entering our building," she explained.According to Lopez, social services are available with funding for COVID-19 rental assistance and utilities, as well as resources in the community for other instances.To-go meals are provided three times a day. Additionally, the Salvation Army building at 1137 North Santa Fe Avenue also serves as a cooling center during extreme heat.

Local Salvation Army is back to full service

The City of Salina has announced a street repair project scheduled to begin later this week.

Thursday through Tuesday, Circle C Construction of Goddard will perform the City of Salina’s annual chip
seal project.&nbsp; The schedule is as
follows, weather permitting:

Chip sealing is a
method of pavement surface treatment which prolongs the serviceability of streets
by sealing the surface. Combined with joint and crack sealing, this surface
treatment program extends the service life of pavement.

Owners and occupants
along residential streets will be notified ahead of time that their streets
will be closed to traffic while the work is being completed.&nbsp; Motorists are encouraged to avoid the
construction altogether and find alternate routes to their destinations while
the work is occurring.

The $210,000 project is
a major component of the City of Salina's 2020 maintenance capital improvement
program.

The City of Salina has announced a street repair project scheduled to begin later this week.Thursday through Tuesday, Circle C Construction of Goddard will perform the City of Salina’s annual chip
seal project.&nbsp; The schedule is as
follows, weather permitting:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596577520164.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chip sealing is a
method of pavement surface treatment which prolongs the serviceability of streets
by sealing the surface. Combined with joint and crack sealing, this surface
treatment program extends the service life of pavement.Owners and occupants
along residential streets will be notified ahead of time that their streets
will be closed to traffic while the work is being completed.&nbsp; Motorists are encouraged to avoid the
construction altogether and find alternate routes to their destinations while
the work is occurring.The $210,000 project is
a major component of the City of Salina's 2020 maintenance capital improvement
program.

Salina street chip seal project set to begin on Thursday

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

Our family’s summer vacation plans changed three times over the course of the past few months. Initially my wife and I planned on taking our college senior daughter on a grand excursion to Glacier National Park, then hopping the northern border to sightsee in Calgary, Banff and Jasper. We scratched that idea well before Canada told U.S. citizens to take off, eh. We started scouting campsites in southern Utah, where five National Parks dot the landscape. Unfortunately, as the time came to reserve our campsites, we saw Covid-19 cases growing in Utah and here at home. Retreating yet again, we looked within the borders of the Sunflower State. While we don’t have any glaciers, nothing close to the Canadian Rockies or the cool dry desert nights, there’s still some cool things to see in Kansas. We settled on a day trip to see Castle Rock, Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. I figured this would be an easy, hassle free trip to the northwest corner of our great state. No need to do extensive research on where to stay or look up things to do. We had a course and generally knew the area. I had a lunch recommendation from our colleague. We loaded into my wife’s car a little after 8 a.m. and headed west. We initially planned on having lunch first then getting to the sightseeing. Instead, the sign for Castle Rock beckoned from Interstate 70 and we decided eating could wait. This was the first mistake, but the second would soon become more apparent. Generally, the best way to spot a tourist is they either have way too much gear or not enough. We soon found ourselves in the latter category when we turned off a perfectly suitable gravel road to something giving minimum maintenance roads a bad name. The same process that eroded everything but Castle Rock and the nearby badlands is still in progress, and that includes the loop around the attraction. It’s compounded by vehicle traffic from looky-loos. For the better part of a mile we held our breath as we navigated over ruts more than a foot deep in spots. Again, we were traversing this in a car capable of getting high-centered on a speedbump. While our vehicle was unsuited to the local conditions, we managed to avoid getting stuck in a chasm, powered up a steep incline as the tires shot gravel behind us and then we took a wrong turn. The “road” narrowed in on us as it traced the side of a hill so the driver’s side was lower than the passenger side. Then, 15 yards from flat, smooth roadbed we came to a small gorge. My daughter is old enough she didn’t learn any new words during this adventure, but it’s safe to say the plethora of profanity built to a crescendo at this point in our journey. After surveying the gully cutting across our path, I shouted to my wife and daughter we needed to dig to level the road. We started using a jack handle to scrap dirt into the crater, and after about 30 minutes of “digging,” another group came along on the “good” road, stopped and offered their help. A half hour of poking at the dirt with a metal rod had dulled any semblance of embarrassment at our self-inflected predicament. We gladly accepted. Two of the men in the group grabbed a second jack handle from one of their vehicles and began flinging dirt. Within 10 minutes, we’d leveled the ground just enough to cautiously drive out to safe ground. We thanked our helpers and headed back to the Interstate to continue on our journey, which didn’t involve any other hiccups. We took in the badlands at Little Jerusalem with a thunderstorm in the background. At Monument Rocks, we dutifully posed for photos in a keyhole between two spires and then began our trek home, only stopping for dinner and to see the Cathedral on the Plains in Victoria. While the trip wasn’t jumping from a bridge into a river fed by glacial melt, or hiking through Zion National Park, it did remind me of the beauty and wonder within our state’s borders. Kansas is also a place where complete strangers will take the time to help, even if it means piling dirt with a jack handle. Still, if I had to do it again, I’d take a different vehicle and toss in a shovel. Just in case.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauOur family’s summer vacation plans changed three times over the course of the past few months. Initially my wife and I planned on taking our college senior daughter on a grand excursion to Glacier National Park, then hopping the northern border to sightsee in Calgary, Banff and Jasper. We scratched that idea well before Canada told U.S. citizens to take off, eh. We started scouting campsites in southern Utah, where five National Parks dot the landscape. Unfortunately, as the time came to reserve our campsites, we saw Covid-19 cases growing in Utah and here at home. Retreating yet again, we looked within the borders of the Sunflower State. While we don’t have any glaciers, nothing close to the Canadian Rockies or the cool dry desert nights, there’s still some cool things to see in Kansas. We settled on a day trip to see Castle Rock, Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. I figured this would be an easy, hassle free trip to the northwest corner of our great state. No need to do extensive research on where to stay or look up things to do. We had a course and generally knew the area. I had a lunch recommendation from our colleague. We loaded into my wife’s car a little after 8 a.m. and headed west. We initially planned on having lunch first then getting to the sightseeing. Instead, the sign for Castle Rock beckoned from Interstate 70 and we decided eating could wait. This was the first mistake, but the second would soon become more apparent. Generally, the best way to spot a tourist is they either have way too much gear or not enough. We soon found ourselves in the latter category when we turned off a perfectly suitable gravel road to something giving minimum maintenance roads a bad name. The same process that eroded everything but Castle Rock and the nearby badlands is still in progress, and that includes the loop around the attraction. It’s compounded by vehicle traffic from looky-loos. For the better part of a mile we held our breath as we navigated over ruts more than a foot deep in spots. Again, we were traversing this in a car capable of getting high-centered on a speedbump. While our vehicle was unsuited to the local conditions, we managed to avoid getting stuck in a chasm, powered up a steep incline as the tires shot gravel behind us and then we took a wrong turn. The “road” narrowed in on us as it traced the side of a hill so the driver’s side was lower than the passenger side. Then, 15 yards from flat, smooth roadbed we came to a small gorge. My daughter is old enough she didn’t learn any new words during this adventure, but it’s safe to say the plethora of profanity built to a crescendo at this point in our journey. After surveying the gully cutting across our path, I shouted to my wife and daughter we needed to dig to level the road. We started using a jack handle to scrap dirt into the crater, and after about 30 minutes of “digging,” another group came along on the “good” road, stopped and offered their help. A half hour of poking at the dirt with a metal rod had dulled any semblance of embarrassment at our self-inflected predicament. We gladly accepted. Two of the men in the group grabbed a second jack handle from one of their vehicles and began flinging dirt. Within 10 minutes, we’d leveled the ground just enough to cautiously drive out to safe ground. We thanked our helpers and headed back to the Interstate to continue on our journey, which didn’t involve any other hiccups. We took in the badlands at Little Jerusalem with a thunderstorm in the background. At Monument Rocks, we dutifully posed for photos in a keyhole between two spires and then began our trek home, only stopping for dinner and to see the Cathedral on the Plains in Victoria. While the trip wasn’t jumping from a bridge into a river fed by glacial melt, or hiking through Zion National Park, it did remind me of the beauty and wonder within our state’s borders. Kansas is also a place where complete strangers will take the time to help, even if it means piling dirt with a jack handle. Still, if I had to do it again, I’d take a different vehicle and toss in a shovel. Just in case."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: A tourist in Kansas

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 5, the 218th day of 2020. There are 148 days left in the year. 

On August 5, 1974, the White House released transcripts of subpoenaed tape recordings showing that President Richard Nixon and his chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman, had discussed a plan in June 1972 to use the CIA to thwart the FBI's Watergate investigation; revelation of the tape sparked Nixon's resignation. 

In 1864, during the Civil War, Union Adm. David G. Farragut led his fleet to victory in the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama. 

In 1914, what's believed to be the first electric traffic light system was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, at the intersection of East 105th Street and Euclid Avenue.

In 1936, Jesse Owens of the United States won the 200-meter dash at the Berlin Olympics, collecting the third of his four gold medals. 

In 1953, Operation Big Switch began as remaining prisoners taken during the Korean War were exchanged at Panmunjom. 

In 1961, the amusement park Six Flags Over Texas had its official grand opening day in Arlington. 

In 1962, movie star Marilyn Monroe, 36, was found dead in her Los Angeles home; her death was ruled a probable suicide from "acute barbiturate poisoning." South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was arrested on charges of leaving the country without a passport and inciting workers to strike; it was the beginning of 27 years of imprisonment. 

In 1964, U.S. Navy pilot Everett Alvarez Jr. became the first American flier to be shot down and captured by North Vietnam; he was held prisoner until February 1973. 

In 1966, the Beatles' "Revolver" album was released in the United Kingdom on the Parlophone label; it was released in the United States three days later by Capitol Records. (Songs included "Eleanor Rigby" and "Yellow Submarine," which were also issued as a double A-side single on Aug. 5 and 8.)

In 1981, the federal government began firing air traffic controllers who had gone out on strike. 

In 1984, actor Richard Burton died in Geneva, Switzerland, at age 58.

In 1991, Democratic congressional leaders formally launched an investigation into whether the 1980 Reagan-Bush campaign had secretly conspired with Iran to delay release of American hostages until after the presidential election, thereby preventing an "October surprise" that supposedly would have benefited President Jimmy Carter. (A task force later concluded there was "no credible evidence" of such a deal.) 

In 2002, the coral-encrusted gun turret of the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor was raised from the floor of the Atlantic, nearly 140 years after the historic warship sank during a storm. 

Ten years ago: The Senate confirmed Elena Kagan, 63-37, as the Supreme Court's 112th justice and the fourth woman in its history. BP finished pumping cement into the blown Deepwater Horizon oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. Thirty-three workers were trapped in a copper mine in northern Chile after a tunnel caved in (all were rescued after being entombed for 69 days). Ten members of a Christian medical team from the International Assistance Mission were gunned down in Afghanistan by unknown attackers.

Five years ago: In a speech at American University in Washington, President Barack Obama assailed critics of his Iran nuclear deal as "selling a fantasy" to the American people, warning Congress that blocking the accord would damage the nation's credibility and increase the likelihood of more war in the Middle East. Actor Jennifer Aniston secretly married actor-director Justin Theroux at their home in Bel Air, California.

One year ago: In the wake of deadly shootings in Texas and Ohio, President Donald Trump called for bipartisan solutions to gun violence and said he wanted legislation providing "strong background checks" for gun users. The online message board 8chan was effectively knocked offline after two companies cut off technical services; the gunman responsible for a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas had been linked to the site. The Trump administration froze all Venezuelan government assets in a dramatic escalation of tensions with Nicolás Maduro. Cesar Sayoc, a Florida amateur body builder who had sent pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and CNN, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a judge who concluded that the bombs were not designed to explode. The U.S. Treasury Department labeled China a currency manipulator after China pushed down the value of its yuan in an escalating trade conflict with the United States. Toni Morrison, the first Black woman to receive the Nobel literature prize, died at 88 in New York; her novels included "Beloved," and "The Bluest Eye."

Today's Birthdays: College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Roman Gabriel is 80. Country songwriter Bobby Braddock is 80. Actor Loni Anderson is 75. Actor Erika Slezak is 74. Rock singer Rick Derringer is 73. Actor Holly Palance is 70. Pop singer Samantha Sang is 69. Rock musician Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister) is 65. Actor-singer Maureen McCormick is 64. Rock musician Pat Smear is 61. Author David Baldacci is 60. Actor Tawney Kitaen is 59. Actor Janet McTeer is 59. Country musician Mark O'Connor is 59. Basketball Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing is 58. Actor Mark Strong is 57. Director-screenwriter James Gunn is 54. Actor Jonathan Silverman is 54. Country singer Terri Clark is 52. Actor Stephanie Szostak is 49. Retired MLB All-Star John Olerud is 52. Rock musician Eicca Toppinen (Apocalyptica) is 45. Actor Jesse Williams is 40. Actor Brendon Ryan Barrett is 34. Actor Meegan Warner (TV: "TURN: Washington's Spies") is 29. Actor/singer Olivia Holt is 23. Actor Albert Tsai is 16. Actor Devin Trey Campbell is 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Aug. 5, the 218th day of 2020. There are 148 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On August 5, 1974, the White House released transcripts of subpoenaed tape recordings showing that President Richard Nixon and his chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman, had discussed a plan in June 1972 to use the CIA to thwart the FBI's Watergate investigation; revelation of the tape sparked Nixon's resignation. On this date: In 1864, during the Civil War, Union Adm. David G. Farragut led his fleet to victory in the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama. In 1914, what's believed to be the first electric traffic light system was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, at the intersection of East 105th Street and Euclid Avenue.In 1936, Jesse Owens of the United States won the 200-meter dash at the Berlin Olympics, collecting the third of his four gold medals. In 1953, Operation Big Switch began as remaining prisoners taken during the Korean War were exchanged at Panmunjom. In 1961, the amusement park Six Flags Over Texas had its official grand opening day in Arlington. In 1962, movie star Marilyn Monroe, 36, was found dead in her Los Angeles home; her death was ruled a probable suicide from "acute barbiturate poisoning." South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was arrested on charges of leaving the country without a passport and inciting workers to strike; it was the beginning of 27 years of imprisonment. In 1964, U.S. Navy pilot Everett Alvarez Jr. became the first American flier to be shot down and captured by North Vietnam; he was held prisoner until February 1973. In 1966, the Beatles' "Revolver" album was released in the United Kingdom on the Parlophone label; it was released in the United States three days later by Capitol Records. (Songs included "Eleanor Rigby" and "Yellow Submarine," which were also issued as a double A-side single on Aug. 5 and 8.)In 1981, the federal government began firing air traffic controllers who had gone out on strike. In 1984, actor Richard Burton died in Geneva, Switzerland, at age 58.In 1991, Democratic congressional leaders formally launched an investigation into whether the 1980 Reagan-Bush campaign had secretly conspired with Iran to delay release of American hostages until after the presidential election, thereby preventing an "October surprise" that supposedly would have benefited President Jimmy Carter. (A task force later concluded there was "no credible evidence" of such a deal.) In 2002, the coral-encrusted gun turret of the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor was raised from the floor of the Atlantic, nearly 140 years after the historic warship sank during a storm. Ten years ago: The Senate confirmed Elena Kagan, 63-37, as the Supreme Court's 112th justice and the fourth woman in its history. BP finished pumping cement into the blown Deepwater Horizon oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. Thirty-three workers were trapped in a copper mine in northern Chile after a tunnel caved in (all were rescued after being entombed for 69 days). Ten members of a Christian medical team from the International Assistance Mission were gunned down in Afghanistan by unknown attackers.Five years ago: In a speech at American University in Washington, President Barack Obama assailed critics of his Iran nuclear deal as "selling a fantasy" to the American people, warning Congress that blocking the accord would damage the nation's credibility and increase the likelihood of more war in the Middle East. Actor Jennifer Aniston secretly married actor-director Justin Theroux at their home in Bel Air, California.One year ago: In the wake of deadly shootings in Texas and Ohio, President Donald Trump called for bipartisan solutions to gun violence and said he wanted legislation providing "strong background checks" for gun users. The online message board 8chan was effectively knocked offline after two companies cut off technical services; the gunman responsible for a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas had been linked to the site. The Trump administration froze all Venezuelan government assets in a dramatic escalation of tensions with Nicolás Maduro. Cesar Sayoc, a Florida amateur body builder who had sent pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and CNN, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a judge who concluded that the bombs were not designed to explode. The U.S. Treasury Department labeled China a currency manipulator after China pushed down the value of its yuan in an escalating trade conflict with the United States. Toni Morrison, the first Black woman to receive the Nobel literature prize, died at 88 in New York; her novels included "Beloved," and "The Bluest Eye."Today's Birthdays: College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Roman Gabriel is 80. Country songwriter Bobby Braddock is 80. Actor Loni Anderson is 75. Actor Erika Slezak is 74. Rock singer Rick Derringer is 73. Actor Holly Palance is 70. Pop singer Samantha Sang is 69. Rock musician Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister) is 65. Actor-singer Maureen McCormick is 64. Rock musician Pat Smear is 61. Author David Baldacci is 60. Actor Tawney Kitaen is 59. Actor Janet McTeer is 59. Country musician Mark O'Connor is 59. Basketball Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing is 58. Actor Mark Strong is 57. Director-screenwriter James Gunn is 54. Actor Jonathan Silverman is 54. Country singer Terri Clark is 52. Actor Stephanie Szostak is 49. Retired MLB All-Star John Olerud is 52. Rock musician Eicca Toppinen (Apocalyptica) is 45. Actor Jesse Williams is 40. Actor Brendon Ryan Barrett is 34. Actor Meegan Warner (TV: "TURN: Washington's Spies") is 29. Actor/singer Olivia Holt is 23. Actor Albert Tsai is 16. Actor Devin Trey Campbell is 12.

Today in History -- Aug. 5

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on Kansas' primary election (all times local):

Salina real estate broker and former Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann has won the Republican primary in Kansas’ 1st District.

Mann defeated eye surgeon and Finney County Commissioner Bill Clifford, physician’s assistant Jerry Molstad and reverend Michael Soetaert.

Mann will face the Democratic nominee in the November contest for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who ran for the U.S. Senate. But Mann will be heavily favored in a district that hasn’t been won by a Democrat since the 1950s.

Mann campaigned a an anti-abortion, pro-gun candidate. He said he planned to support President Donald Trump’s policies.

The mostly rural farming district is one of the nation’s most Republican and has elected three congress members who went on to become U.S. senators over the past 50 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596597527918.png" alt="Tracy Mann" />
 <figcaption>Tracy Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on Kansas' primary election (all times local):10:15 p.m.Salina real estate broker and former Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann has won the Republican primary in Kansas’ 1st District.Mann defeated eye surgeon and Finney County Commissioner Bill Clifford, physician’s assistant Jerry Molstad and reverend Michael Soetaert.Mann will face the Democratic nominee in the November contest for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who ran for the U.S. Senate. But Mann will be heavily favored in a district that hasn’t been won by a Democrat since the 1950s.Mann campaigned a an anti-abortion, pro-gun candidate. He said he planned to support President Donald Trump’s policies.The mostly rural farming district is one of the nation’s most Republican and has elected three congress members who went on to become U.S. senators over the past 50 years.

Mann wins GOP primary in Kansas 1st

Kali Barnett has won the Democratic primary in Kansas’ 1st District. The 35-year-old author and music teacher from Garden City defeated Christy Davis, the former executive director of Symphony in the Flint Hills.

Barnett will face Salina real estate broker and former Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann in the November contest for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who on Tuesday won the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate.

The seat hasn’t been won by a Democrat since the 1950s. It’s one of the nation’s most Republican districts and has elected three congressmen who went on to become U.S. senators over the past 50 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594058610345.png" alt="Kali Barnett&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kali Barnett&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on Kansas' primary election (all times local):10:30 p.m.Kali Barnett has won the Democratic primary in Kansas’ 1st District. The 35-year-old author and music teacher from Garden City defeated Christy Davis, the former executive director of Symphony in the Flint Hills.Barnett will face Salina real estate broker and former Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann in the November contest for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who on Tuesday won the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate.The seat hasn’t been won by a Democrat since the 1950s. It’s one of the nation’s most Republican districts and has elected three congressmen who went on to become U.S. senators over the past 50 years._____

Barnett wins Democratic primary in Kansas 1st

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced two additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 144.

The following is information about the new cases as provided by the health department.

Positive case No. 143 is a symptomatic male in his 70s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home.

Positive case No. 144 is a symptomatic male in his 20s with known exposure and is recovering at home.

Of the 144 confirmed cases, 131 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines, according to the health department. Additionally, none of the current active cases are hospitalized, and one of the 144 cases has died, the health department noted.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced two additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 144.The following is information about the new cases as provided by the health department.Positive case No. 143 is a symptomatic male in his 70s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home.Positive case No. 144 is a symptomatic male in his 20s with known exposure and is recovering at home.Of the 144 confirmed cases, 131 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines, according to the health department. Additionally, none of the current active cases are hospitalized, and one of the 144 cases has died, the health department noted.

McPherson County reports 2 additional cases of COVID-19

Following are the preliminary results for Saline County, with 57 of 58 precincts reporting.

KANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES -- District 69

KANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES -- District 71

KANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES -- District 108

Following are the preliminary results for Saline County, with 57 of 58 precincts reporting.<h2>UNITED STATES SENATE</h2>DemocratBarbara Bollier, 2,254Robert Tillman, 328RepublicanLance Berland, 341John Berman, 13Derek Ellis, 51Bob Hamilton, 1,365Kris Kobach, 1,714David Lindstrom, 454Roger Marshall, 4,314Brian Matlock, 73John Miller, 66Steve Roberts, 116Gabriel Robles, 54<h2>UNITED STATES HOUSE -- FIRST DISTRICT</h2>DemocratKali Barnett, 1,671Christy Cauble Davis, 869RepublicanBill Clifford, 1,361Tracey Mann, 6,556Jerry Molstad, 341Michael Soetaert, 281<h2>KANSAS SENATE -- DISTRICT 24</h2>RepublicanJ.R. Claeys, 5,420Randall Hardy, 3,063<h2>KANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES -- District 69</h2>DemocratPhilip Black, 261Ryan Holmquist, 690RepublicanClarke Sanders, 2,327<h2>KANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES -- District 71</h2>DemocratJeffrey A. Zamrzla, 1,036RepublicanDiana Dierks, 1,521Steven Howe, 2,533<h2>KANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES -- District 108</h2>RepublicanSteven Johnson, 1,819<h2>KANSAS BOARD OF EDUCATION -- District 6</h2>RepublicanDeena L. Horst, 7,341<h2>SALINE COUNTY COMMISSION -- DISTRICT 2</h2>RepublicanRobert Vidricksen II, 2,660<h2>SALINE COUNTY COMMISSION -- DISTRICT 3</h2>RepublicanRodger Sparks, 1,207Randy Duncan, 821<h2>SALINE COUNTY CLERK</h2>RepublicanJamie R. Doss, 7,644<h2>SALINE COUNTY TREASURER</h2>RepublicanJim DuBois, 7,761<h2>SALINE COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS</h2>RepublicanRebecca Seeman, 7,729<h2>SALINE COUNTY ATTORNEY</h2>RepublicanJeff Ebel, 4,491Brock Abbey, 3,485<h2>SALINE COUNTY SHERIFF</h2>RepublicanRoger Soldan, 8,049

Saline County primary election results

Margaret Thatcher once said that success was not only having a flair for what one is doing, but that it also involved hard work and a certain sense of purpose. A group of Kansas Wesleyan employees are shining examples of all of those elements, and with the fall semester set to begin Monday, the university has formally announced several promotions and new roles for on-campus staff. &nbsp;

"Each of these individuals has done excellent work in their previous roles," said Dr. Matt Thompson, president and CEO of KWU. "They are all dedicated to the goals and mission of KWU and work hard to move the university forward every day. For example, Claire Massey ’17 began as an admissions counselor and has become one of the leaders of the admissions office in less than three years. We believe in promoting great people at KWU, and these are fantastic examples of that philosophy."

Ken Oliver, the former senior director of development, was promoted to vice president of advancement, marketing and admissions. In that role, Oliver will oversee not only advancement, but the admissions and marketing and communications offices as well.&nbsp;

Each of the other promotions are under Oliver's direction, including two new associate directors in the admissions office. Massey becomes the new associate director of admissions, her second promotion in just over two years, while Angi Keopraseuth ’99 also takes an associate director role in the office, that of operations.&nbsp;

The marketing and communications office is also under new leadership, as Brad Salois was promoted to the position of director. Salois came to KWU as an assistant director in August 2019 and has overseen significant increases in local media coverage, as well as more robust coverage of happenings on campus via KWU social media and other outlets.

A pair of promotions also happened in the advancement office, where Melissa Anderson became the director of advancement and Linda Baumberger was named coordinator of advancement services. Anderson has taken on an increased role in fundraising, particularly through grants, while Baumberger continues to manage numerous mailings and communications, pieces that have increased drastically over the past few months.&nbsp;

Each of these individuals began their new roles early in the summer months.

--<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/news" target="_blank">kwu.edu</a>--

Margaret Thatcher once said that success was not only having a flair for what one is doing, but that it also involved hard work and a certain sense of purpose. A group of Kansas Wesleyan employees are shining examples of all of those elements, and with the fall semester set to begin Monday, the university has formally announced several promotions and new roles for on-campus staff. &nbsp;"Each of these individuals has done excellent work in their previous roles," said Dr. Matt Thompson, president and CEO of KWU. "They are all dedicated to the goals and mission of KWU and work hard to move the university forward every day. For example, Claire Massey ’17 began as an admissions counselor and has become one of the leaders of the admissions office in less than three years. We believe in promoting great people at KWU, and these are fantastic examples of that philosophy."Ken Oliver, the former senior director of development, was promoted to vice president of advancement, marketing and admissions. In that role, Oliver will oversee not only advancement, but the admissions and marketing and communications offices as well.&nbsp;Each of the other promotions are under Oliver's direction, including two new associate directors in the admissions office. Massey becomes the new associate director of admissions, her second promotion in just over two years, while Angi Keopraseuth ’99 also takes an associate director role in the office, that of operations.&nbsp;The marketing and communications office is also under new leadership, as Brad Salois was promoted to the position of director. Salois came to KWU as an assistant director in August 2019 and has overseen significant increases in local media coverage, as well as more robust coverage of happenings on campus via KWU social media and other outlets.A pair of promotions also happened in the advancement office, where Melissa Anderson became the director of advancement and Linda Baumberger was named coordinator of advancement services. Anderson has taken on an increased role in fundraising, particularly through grants, while Baumberger continues to manage numerous mailings and communications, pieces that have increased drastically over the past few months.&nbsp;Each of these individuals began their new roles early in the summer months.--<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/news" target="_blank">kwu.edu</a>--

KWU announces promotions and new roles

Saline County commissioners this morning approved the county accepting a $132,000 Community Development Block Grant to be used for grants or loans for for-profit businesses.

Late last month, the county received notice that it had been selected to receive money during the second funding cycle. The county had applied for the funds in May, but they were not awarded during the first funding cycle, according to information from Saline County. The North Central Regional Planning Commission will serve as the grant administrator. The organization's fee -- $12,000 -- will be paid with the grant some of funds received, the county noted.

Additionally, commissioners heard from Tim Hamilton, planning and zoning administrator, who provided an update on activities that have taken place from Jan. 1 through July 31, 2020. A total of 35 building permits have been issued which is an increase of 13 from this same time in 2019.

Revenue is also up by a little over $15,000 from last year, with a total so far of $57,623.50. Revenues are from building permit fees as well as fees for septic and well permits and other environmental services, according to information from the county. 

Commissioners also heard from Justin Mader, county engineer, who provided each of them with a binder filled with information on the Special Road Construction Fund, road classifications, and several maps that outline the county road management program in Saline County. Commissioners will meet with the road and bridge and engineering departments in a special study session on Aug. 18 so they can discuss in more detail the gravel road upgrade program and the future of Saline County’s road upgrades, the county information noted.

On April 7, commissioners voted to place a question on the November ballot asking for voters to approve a half-cent sales tax for the construction of a jail and issue bonds. Today, they heard from David Arteberry with Stifel, Nicolas and Company, the county’s financial advisor for this project. Arteberry provided the commission with what a bond payment would look like as well as anticipated sales tax revenues. He explained that they took a very conservative approach to projecting these numbers. Through their conservative projections, the jail project with the price tag of $89,655,000 could be paid off in 18 years and the sales tax could end. Commissioners will take action in two weeks -- Aug. 18 -- in considering the adoption of the language that will go on the November ballot. Information about the jail project can be found at&nbsp; <a href="https://www.saline.org/Jail-Project-2020">https://www.saline.org/Jail-Project-2020</a>.

During his weekly update, Phillip Smith-Hanes, county administrator, told commissioners about the Coronavirus Funding Advisory Committee’s meeting on Monday. Applications for direct aid were accepted until 5 p.m. on July 31. A total of 106 applications were received with requests that totaled just a little over $16.6 million. The county has $11,026,434 that can be distributed to local governments, schools, organizations, and businesses. The committee began reviewing the applications and will continue its review this week in order to bring a recommendation to the commissioners on Aug. 11  for their approval to submit a plan to the State of Kansas.

All information about the Coronavirus Relief Fund can be found here: <a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus/CRF-Funding">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus/CRF-Funding</a>.

Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen provided a reminder that the public hearing for the 2021 budget for the county, the Kipp sewer, and rural fire districts 1-7 is scheduled for Aug. 11.

Saline County commissioners this morning approved the county accepting a $132,000 Community Development Block Grant to be used for grants or loans for for-profit businesses.Late last month, the county received notice that it had been selected to receive money during the second funding cycle. The county had applied for the funds in May, but they were not awarded during the first funding cycle, according to information from Saline County. The North Central Regional Planning Commission will serve as the grant administrator. The organization's fee -- $12,000 -- will be paid with the grant some of funds received, the county noted.Additionally, commissioners heard from Tim Hamilton, planning and zoning administrator, who provided an update on activities that have taken place from Jan. 1 through July 31, 2020. A total of 35 building permits have been issued which is an increase of 13 from this same time in 2019.Revenue is also up by a little over $15,000 from last year, with a total so far of $57,623.50. Revenues are from building permit fees as well as fees for septic and well permits and other environmental services, according to information from the county. Commissioners also heard from Justin Mader, county engineer, who provided each of them with a binder filled with information on the Special Road Construction Fund, road classifications, and several maps that outline the county road management program in Saline County. Commissioners will meet with the road and bridge and engineering departments in a special study session on Aug. 18 so they can discuss in more detail the gravel road upgrade program and the future of Saline County’s road upgrades, the county information noted.On April 7, commissioners voted to place a question on the November ballot asking for voters to approve a half-cent sales tax for the construction of a jail and issue bonds. Today, they heard from David Arteberry with Stifel, Nicolas and Company, the county’s financial advisor for this project. Arteberry provided the commission with what a bond payment would look like as well as anticipated sales tax revenues. He explained that they took a very conservative approach to projecting these numbers. Through their conservative projections, the jail project with the price tag of $89,655,000 could be paid off in 18 years and the sales tax could end. Commissioners will take action in two weeks -- Aug. 18 -- in considering the adoption of the language that will go on the November ballot. Information about the jail project can be found at&nbsp; <a href="https://www.saline.org/Jail-Project-2020">https://www.saline.org/Jail-Project-2020</a>. During his weekly update, Phillip Smith-Hanes, county administrator, told commissioners about the Coronavirus Funding Advisory Committee’s meeting on Monday. Applications for direct aid were accepted until 5 p.m. on July 31. A total of 106 applications were received with requests that totaled just a little over $16.6 million. The county has $11,026,434 that can be distributed to local governments, schools, organizations, and businesses. The committee began reviewing the applications and will continue its review this week in order to bring a recommendation to the commissioners on Aug. 11 for their approval to submit a plan to the State of Kansas.All information about the Coronavirus Relief Fund can be found here: <a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus/CRF-Funding">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus/CRF-Funding</a>. Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen provided a reminder that the public hearing for the 2021 budget for the county, the Kipp sewer, and rural fire districts 1-7 is scheduled for Aug. 11.

County commissioners OK accepting $132,000 block grant

PARK CITY -- A pickup and trailer reported missing this past weekend have been recovered in Park City.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a white 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 HD pickup and a black and maroon eight-foot by 14-foot enclosed 2014 H&amp;H trailer were recovered just east of the QuickTrip at 61st Street North and Interstate 135 in Park City. The power washer and orange 2019 Bad Boy Magnum zero-turn mower are still missing, however.

Soldan said authorities are checking surveillance video in the area in an attempt to determine who left the pickup and trailer in that location.

PARK CITY -- A pickup and trailer reported missing this past weekend have been recovered in Park City.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a white 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 HD pickup and a black and maroon eight-foot by 14-foot enclosed 2014 H&amp;H trailer were recovered just east of the QuickTrip at 61st Street North and Interstate 135 in Park City. The power washer and orange 2019 Bad Boy Magnum zero-turn mower are still missing, however.Soldan said authorities are checking surveillance video in the area in an attempt to determine who left the pickup and trailer in that location.

Stolen pickup, trailer recovered near Park City convenience store

ABILENE -- Employees of Memorial Health System (MHS) recently wore blue jeans at work for another Jeans Day fundraiser. 

Employees who made a donation of at least $5 were allowed to wear blue jeans on the last Friday of July. The day was organized by the MHS Employer of Choice (EOC) committee. 

A total donation of $265 was presented to Abilene USD 435 to go towards COVID-19 relief supplies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596551382130.jpeg" alt="Pictured from left are:&nbsp; Ashley Hernandez, EOC committee member; Sara Boyd, EOC committee member; Greg Brown, USD 435 superintendent; Heather Bohannan, EOC committee member; Cindy Whittington, EOC committee member; and in front, USD 435 therapy dog, Maizy. Photo courtesy MHS" />
 <figcaption>Pictured from left are:&nbsp; Ashley Hernandez, EOC committee member; Sara Boyd, EOC committee member; Greg Brown, USD 435 superintendent; Heather Bohannan, EOC committee member; Cindy Whittington, EOC committee member; and in front, USD 435 therapy dog, Maizy. Photo courtesy MHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE -- Employees of Memorial Health System (MHS) recently wore blue jeans at work for another Jeans Day fundraiser. Employees who made a donation of at least $5 were allowed to wear blue jeans on the last Friday of July. The day was organized by the MHS Employer of Choice (EOC) committee. A total donation of $265 was presented to Abilene USD 435 to go towards COVID-19 relief supplies.

MHS employees donate Jeans Day funds to USD 435 for COVID-19 relief supplies

It looks to be a lovely day for the Kansas primary election.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, highs today are once again expected to only climb to around 80 degrees. This is around 10 degrees below typical highs for this time of year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596544530673.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It looks to be a lovely day for the Kansas primary election.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, highs today are once again expected to only climb to around 80 degrees. This is around 10 degrees below typical highs for this time of year.

NWS: Another lovely day for the area

Someone stole more than $1,000 worth of items from a north Salina Church early this month.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that sometime between Saturday and Monday, someone stole a number of items from the maintenance area of Salina Church of Christ, 1646 North Ninth Street. Many of the items belonged to an 86-year-old church maintenance worker and included the following, Forrester explained.

A sachel with pipe wrenches and other tools ($250)

Additionally, a Stihl blower ($100) belonging to the church, also was taken, Forrester noted.

Someone stole more than $1,000 worth of items from a north Salina Church early this month.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that sometime between Saturday and Monday, someone stole a number of items from the maintenance area of Salina Church of Christ, 1646 North Ninth Street. Many of the items belonged to an 86-year-old church maintenance worker and included the following, Forrester explained.A gray tool box ($100)A Dewalt tool box with tools ($100)A red tool box with tools ($100)A laser level ($70)A sachel with pipe wrenches and other tools ($250)Miscellaneous bits and blades ($200)A brad nailer ($100)A tool pouch with pliers ($100)Additionally, a Stihl blower ($100) belonging to the church, also was taken, Forrester noted.

More than $1,000 worth of items stolen from north Salina church

Nobody didn’t like Kansas getting about $1.2 billion –that’s billion, not just those pesky millions – to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, to rebuild the damaged economy, to finance health care and the exceptional new expenditures that will be required to safely operate schools, colleges and public offices, and to get ready for the next time a pandemic explodes across the state.

Practically, there’s not a Kansan who hasn’t felt the effects of the pandemic, even in western Kansas’ Rawlins and Wallace counties, the two in the state which have apparently had no known cases of the disease.

But that $1.2 billion to meet the state’s costs and prepare for the future is proving to be pretty tricky for members of the State Finance Council to deal with. It’s just a whole different way to do business than the legislators who make up that panel have ever dealt with.

Where should that money go, who should get it and for what?

Well, there was the first $400 million, which was divvied up among 103 Kansas counties, (yes, we still have 105 counties, but Sedgwick and Johnson are so big they got their own direct funding under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act). That first roughly $400 million was largely just long division: population estimated per-person expenses caused by the pandemic, plus some extra for high unemployment caused by the disease. That was relatively easy.

But the remaining roughly $600 million that the state is supposed to distribute by Dec. 30, well, that’s where everything gets complicated, especially to legislators on the Finance Council who have been trained to spend state funds as conservatively as possible, and for specific purposes. That specificity during the legislative session means nothing so general as “economic recovery” or financing health care to unprecedented numbers of Kansans, plus getting oxygen to businesses which were closed or severely&nbsp; limited in operations through the statewide shut-down to deter spread of the disease.

The Finance Council has already approved more than $100 million in those CARES Act funds for public health, $78 million for economic development and $75 million for education ranging from pre-school to community colleges.

But it is the most trendy-sounding of the issues that will be dealt with that is the most complicated for the governor’s coronavirus team to get approved by the legislators who will have to OK the distribution of federal funds. It’s “connectivity” – or the Internet.

The issue is a governor’s task force recommendation to spend up to $50 million for getting broadband Internet service statewide, faster service that can handle everything from telemedicine that allows health care in doctor-sparse areas to services for stay-at-home schoolchildren in vast areas of the state without modern Internet service—or Internet service at all…

And there’s another $10 million that lawmakers on the Finance Council want to study for getting Internet service to the state’s low-income residents. That broadband service isn’t free, and often isn’t cheap.

The federal money, well, it’s federal money, but lawmakers want to know who’s getting it.

For example, there’s $61 million to restart and help finance businesses across the state including grants to small businesses pounded by lack of spending by Kansans. “Grant” is the key here: it’s giving federal money to help businesses stay afloat and prosper. It’s just handing federal dollars to business for a good purpose, but it’s out of character for most lawmakers.

What will help businesses prosper, and do legislative leaders trust the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) task force to decide which businesses will make the right decisions?&nbsp;

We’ll see how that turns out in the next few weeks when those federally funded checks start getting sent to Kansas businesses…

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVERNobody didn’t like Kansas getting about $1.2 billion –that’s billion, not just those pesky millions – to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, to rebuild the damaged economy, to finance health care and the exceptional new expenditures that will be required to safely operate schools, colleges and public offices, and to get ready for the next time a pandemic explodes across the state.Practically, there’s not a Kansan who hasn’t felt the effects of the pandemic, even in western Kansas’ Rawlins and Wallace counties, the two in the state which have apparently had no known cases of the disease.But that $1.2 billion to meet the state’s costs and prepare for the future is proving to be pretty tricky for members of the State Finance Council to deal with. It’s just a whole different way to do business than the legislators who make up that panel have ever dealt with.Where should that money go, who should get it and for what?Well, there was the first $400 million, which was divvied up among 103 Kansas counties, (yes, we still have 105 counties, but Sedgwick and Johnson are so big they got their own direct funding under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act). That first roughly $400 million was largely just long division: population estimated per-person expenses caused by the pandemic, plus some extra for high unemployment caused by the disease. That was relatively easy.But the remaining roughly $600 million that the state is supposed to distribute by Dec. 30, well, that’s where everything gets complicated, especially to legislators on the Finance Council who have been trained to spend state funds as conservatively as possible, and for specific purposes. That specificity during the legislative session means nothing so general as “economic recovery” or financing health care to unprecedented numbers of Kansans, plus getting oxygen to businesses which were closed or severely&nbsp; limited in operations through the statewide shut-down to deter spread of the disease.The Finance Council has already approved more than $100 million in those CARES Act funds for public health, $78 million for economic development and $75 million for education ranging from pre-school to community colleges.But it is the most trendy-sounding of the issues that will be dealt with that is the most complicated for the governor’s coronavirus team to get approved by the legislators who will have to OK the distribution of federal funds. It’s “connectivity” – or the Internet.The issue is a governor’s task force recommendation to spend up to $50 million for getting broadband Internet service statewide, faster service that can handle everything from telemedicine that allows health care in doctor-sparse areas to services for stay-at-home schoolchildren in vast areas of the state without modern Internet service—or Internet service at all…And there’s another $10 million that lawmakers on the Finance Council want to study for getting Internet service to the state’s low-income residents. That broadband service isn’t free, and often isn’t cheap.The federal money, well, it’s federal money, but lawmakers want to know who’s getting it.For example, there’s $61 million to restart and help finance businesses across the state including grants to small businesses pounded by lack of spending by Kansans. “Grant” is the key here: it’s giving federal money to help businesses stay afloat and prosper. It’s just handing federal dollars to business for a good purpose, but it’s out of character for most lawmakers.What will help businesses prosper, and do legislative leaders trust the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) task force to decide which businesses will make the right decisions?&nbsp;We’ll see how that turns out in the next few weeks when those federally funded checks start getting sent to Kansas businesses…Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>.